JFK’s Inaugural Address “Ask Not” Speech That Inspired a Generation January 20, 1961

John F. Kennedy’s inaugural address on January 20, 1961, remains one of the most iconic speeches in U.S. history, celebrated for its eloquence, patriotism, and global vision.

On January 20, 1961, John F. Kennedy was sworn in as the 35th President of the United States. His inaugural address, delivered in freezing Washington weather, marked a generational shift and a bold call to civic duty. With timeless lines like “Ask not what your country can do for you—ask what you can do for your country,” JFK urged Americans to embrace public service, defend liberty, and lead with moral courage. This video revisits the speech that redefined presidential rhetoric and inspired a nation at the height of Cold War tensions.